Caring for an aging society: cohort values and eldercare services.

Understanding the impact of cohort values is important in trying to project future aging service needs. The cultural characteristics of cohorts yet to reach the age of 65 are compared with those already 'old,' with specific focus on the Baby Boomers. Aging policies (and available services) reflect t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Aging & Social Policy Vol. 13; no. 1; pp. 15 - 37
Main Author: Karner TX
Format: Journal Article
Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd 2001
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary:Understanding the impact of cohort values is important in trying to project future aging service needs. The cultural characteristics of cohorts yet to reach the age of 65 are compared with those already 'old,' with specific focus on the Baby Boomers. Aging policies (and available services) reflect the cultural notions of age and aging held as normative during the historical era in which they are enacted. Previous research into lifestyle preferences, consumer practices, and key characteristics is drawn upon to investigate the values of Baby Boomers in light of their projected needs for eldercare services. Cohort research and generational marketing practices offer a promising foundation for exploring how best to develop, target, and deliver aging services that most effectively utilize our social resources.